Portable Support Platform

ABSTRACT

A portable support platform includes a top component coupled with a bottom component. The top component includes first and second end sections, and a first top surface extending therebetween. A top male section and a female top section extend downwardly from the first top surface. The top male section has a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface. The bottom component includes first and second end sections, and a second bottom surface extending therebetween and configured to engage the support surface. A bottom male section and a bottom female section extend upwardly from the second bottom surface. The bottom male section includes a second top surface. The top female section is positioned within the bottom female section such that the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationNo. 63/307,218 titled “Portable Tent Platform,” filed on Feb. 7, 2022,which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present invention relates to camping accessories and morespecifically to a portable support platform for supporting a tent.

BACKGROUND

Different portable tent flooring systems are known in the prior art.They have attempted to address ground water accumulating in and underthe tent shelter. During inclement weather, ground water tends to leakinto the shelter and to accumulate on the shelter floor. Humidity canalso build up within the shelter and cause condensation to accumulate onthe shelter floor. Users will also benefit from being off the ground forother reasons.

The present invention substantially improves the prior art by avoidingthe substantial amount of time which must be devoted at the camp site toassemble the structure. The present invention may very easily beassembled in only a few minutes. The present invention further avoidsthe relatively bulky and heavy components of the prior art.Additionally, the present invention substantially improves the ease ofassembly while providing a firm surface without the use of narrower andless stable “legs” of a platform. The present invention furthersubstantially improves the firmness of the flooring by avoiding thesheet system in the prior art. The present invention furthersubstantially improves the mobility compared with the permanentlyinstalled tent platforms at campsites as another type of the prior art.

Portable support platforms in the prior art also include multiplecomponents including hardware, resulting in a more complex manufacturingand assembly process. Therefore, a need exists for a simpler solution toa portable support platform with less components that is easier tomanufacture and is more affordable for the consumer.

Against this background, there exists a need in the industry to providean improved tent platform that is light-weight, portable, firm, veryeasy to manufacture and assemble, and having proper drainage. An objectof the present invention is therefore to provide such an improvedportable support platform or tent platform.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

The portable tent platform of the present invention is an improvement ofexisting tent platforms. The tent platform of the present invention islight-weight, portable, very easy to assemble and has proper drainage toprevent moisture build-up on the tent floor and to ensure that theground support surface remains stable.

In one aspect, the portable support platform of the present inventionprovides a support platform comprising: (a) an elongate top componentcomprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, eachtop component end section having opposing first top and first bottomportions, each of the first top portions having an outer end and aninner end, each of the first top portions being tapered such that saidouter end has a greater height than said inner end, each of the firstbottom portions configured to engage a support surface, a first topsurface extending between the top component first and second endsections, at least one top male section extending downwardly from thefirst top surface and positioned between the first and second endsections, the at least one top male section having a first bottomsurface configured to engage the support surface, the first bottomsurface having at least one first aperture extending therethrough, andat least one top female section extending downwardly from the first topsurface and positioned between the first and second end sections; (b) anelongate bottom component comprising: opposing bottom component firstand second end sections, each bottom component end section havingopposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second topportions having an outer end and an inner end, each of the second topportions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater heightthan said inner end, each of the second bottom portions configured tocontact the support surface, a second bottom surface extending betweenthe bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottomsurface configured to engage the support surface, the second bottomsurface having at least one second aperture extending therethrough, atleast one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottomsurface and positioned between the bottom component first and second endsections, the at least one bottom male section having a second topsurface, and at least one bottom female section extending upwardly fromthe second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom componentfirst and second end sections; and (c) a substantially flat floorcomponent; wherein the at least one top female section is positionedwithin the at least one bottom female section such that the first andsecond top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and secondbottom surfaces are substantially coplanar; and wherein the floorcomponent is positioned between the at least one top and bottomcomponent first and second end sections.

In another aspect, the portable support platform of the presentinvention provides a support platform comprising: (a) a top componentcomprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, eachtop component end section having opposing first top and first bottomportions, a first top surface extending between the top component firstand second end sections, at least one top male section extendingdownwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the firstand second end sections, the at least one top male section having afirst bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, the firstbottom surface having at least one first aperture extendingtherethrough, and at least one top female section extending downwardlyfrom the first top surface and positioned between the first and secondend sections; (b) a bottom component comprising: opposing bottomcomponent first and second end sections, each bottom component endsection having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each ofthe second bottom portions configured to engage the support surface, asecond bottom surface extending between the bottom component first andsecond end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage thesupport surface, the second bottom surface having at least one secondaperture extending therethrough, at least one bottom male sectionextending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned betweenthe bottom component first and second end sections, the at least onebottom male section having a second top surface, and at least one bottomfemale section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface betweenthe bottom component first and second end sections; wherein the at leastone top female section is positioned within the at least one bottomfemale section such that the first and second top surfaces aresubstantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces aresubstantially coplanar.

In yet another aspect, the portable support platform of the presentinvention provides a support platform comprising: (a) a top componentcomprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, eachtop component end section having opposing first top and first bottomportions, a first top surface extending between the top component firstand second end sections, at least one top male section extendingdownwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the firstand second end sections, the at least one top male section having afirst bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, and atleast one top female section extending downwardly from the first topsurface and positioned between the first and second end sections; (b) abottom component comprising: opposing bottom component first and secondend sections, each bottom component end section having opposing secondtop and second bottom portions, each of the second bottom portionsconfigured to engage the support surface, a second bottom surfaceextending between the bottom component first and second end sections,the second bottom surface configured to engage the support surface, atleast one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottomsurface and positioned between the bottom component first and second endsections, the at least one bottom male section having a second topsurface, and at least one bottom female section extending upwardly fromthe second bottom surface between the bottom component first and secondend sections; wherein the at least one top female section is positionedwithin the at least one bottom female section such that the first andsecond top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and secondbottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpresently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an embodiment of the tent platform ofthe present invention with the top and bottom components assembled;

FIG. 1B is a top view of the tent platform of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a side view of an embodiment of a bottom component of the tentplatform of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side view of an embodiment of a top component of the tentplatform of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment of a hinge component of thetent platform of the present invention; and

FIG. 5 is top view of an embodiment of a floor component of the tentplatform of the present invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical referencenumerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same orsimilar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless statedotherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale andare shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one ormore items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” orsimilar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description ofthe present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower,front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe theaccompanying figures. The terminology includes the words abovespecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similarimport.

Referring to the figures, the portable support platform or tent platform1 of the present invention generally includes a plurality of topcomponents 10, a plurality of bottom components 30 and a floor component50. It is preferred that the floor component 50 be 4″ to 12″ above theground level when assembled. In the embodiment shown, there are threetop components 10 and three bottom components 30. However, one ofordinary skill in the art would recognize that the top and bottomcomponents 10, 30, could be constructed to include other combinationsand numbers so long as they are sufficient to provide a stable supportframe for varying tent structures and load requirements. For example,top and bottom components 10, 30, could be constructed in an “X” or “+”configuration as a base using just one top component 10 and one bottomcomponent 30.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the bottom component 30 includes opposing upwardlyextending end sections 32 a, 32 b. Distal ends of each end section 32 a,32 b are tapered inwardly, i.e., a free end 31 being elevated in heightwith respect to an inner end 33. The purpose of the tapered distal endsis to secure the floor component 50 to the top and bottom components 10,30 and prevent the floor component 50 from displacement when installed,as will be described in more detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , in this embodiment, the bottom component 30includes a pair of upwardly extending spaced apart male sections 34 a,34 b, and three female sections 36 a, 36 b, 36 c. Each female section 36a, 36 b, 36 c is positioned between the first end section 32 a and firstmale section 34 a, between the first male section 34 a and second malesection 34 b, and between the second male section 34 b and second endsection 32 b, respectively. As such, a plurality of opposing inner walls71 are formed within each female section 36 a, 36 b, 36 c. Each malesection 34 a, 34 b extends upwardly to a height substantially the sameas the height of a lowermost end 33 of the tapered portion of the endsections 32 a, 32 b. In this embodiment, each male section 34 a, 34 bcan vary in length, width and depth to accommodate the tent structure.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , the bottom component 30 also includes a flatbottom surface 38 extending uniformly between the end section 32 a, 32b. As such, a plurality of opposing outer walls 73 are formed betweenthe bottom surface 38 and each female section 36 a, 36 b, 36 c. Aplurality of apertures 40 extend laterally through the bottom component30 along the bottom surface 38 to form channels for water to travelthrough when engaged with a support surface 41 such as a ground surface.Unlike in FIG. 1A, the support surface 41 is shown under the apertures40 in FIG. 2 for the purpose of illustrating the position of theapertures 40 relative to the support surface 41 when the bottomcomponent 30 is engaged with the support surface 41. In this embodiment,the bottom component 30 can vary in width to accommodate the tentstructure while providing sufficient support without toppling whenengaged with a ground surface. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that the width of the bottom component 30 will vary, and thenumber of components 10 used could vary, so long as sufficient supportis provided.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4 , the bottom component 30 could beconstructed either as a solid piece or two pieces coupled with a hinge42, providing a more compact configuration when the bottom component 30is folded, transported and stored. In this embodiment, the hinge 42 is astandard hinge such as a door hinge known in the art. However, one ofordinary skill in the art would recognize that other hinges could beused without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3 , the top component 10 includes opposing endsections 12 a, 12 b, each extending vertically and having a top portion14 a, 14 b and a bottom portion 16 a, 16 b. Similar to the bottomsection end sections 32 a, 32 b, the top portions 14 a, 14 b are taperedinwardly, i.e., a free end 15 being elevated in height with respect toan inner end 17, to secure the floor component 50 to the top and bottomcomponents 10, 30 and from preventing the floor component 50 fromdisplacement when assembled, as will be described in more detail below.

Still referring to FIG. 3 , in this embodiment, the top component 10includes a pair of downwardly extending spaced apart male sections 18 a,18 b, and three female sections 20 a, 20 b, 20 c each positioned betweenthe first end section 12 a and first male section 18 a, between thefirst male section 18 a and second male section 18 b, and between thesecond male section 18 b and second end section 12 b, respectively. Assuch, a plurality of opposing inner walls 81 are formed within eachfemale section 20 a, 20 b, 20 c extending between opposing side walls 83located directly above each female section 20 a, 20 b, 20 c.

Referring again to FIG. 3 , the top component 10 includes a flat bottomsurface 22 extending uniformly between the end sections 12 a, 12 b. Thatis, lowermost ends of each end section 12 a, 12 b and lowermost ends ofeach male section 18 a, 18 b are positioned on a common plane. The topcomponent 10 also includes a top surface 24 extending uniformly betweenthe lowermost area of the tapered top portions 14 a, 14 b.

As shown in FIG. 3 , a plurality of apertures 26 extend laterallythrough the top component 10 along the bottom surface 38 of the malesections 18 a, 18 b to form channels for water to travel through whenengaged with a support surface 41 such as a ground surface. Unlike inFIG. 1A, the support surface 41 is shown under the apertures 26 in FIG.3 for the purpose of illustrating the position of the apertures 26relative to the support surface 41 when the top component 10 is engagedwith the support surface 41. In this embodiment, the top component 10can vary in width to accommodate the tent structure to providesufficient support without toppling when engaged with a ground surface.One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the width of thetop component 10 could vary, and the number of components 10 used couldvary, so long as sufficient support is provided. In this embodiment,each female section 20 a, 20 b, 20 c will vary in length, width, depthand number to accommodate the tent structure, and are configured toengage the female sections 36 a, 36 b, 36 c of the bottom component 30by friction-fit.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the top component 10 could be constructedeither as a solid piece or with two pieces coupled with a hinge 42,providing a more compact configuration when the top component 10 isfolded, transported and stored. In this embodiment, the hinge 42 is astandard hinge such as a door hinge known in the art. However, one ofordinary skill in the art would recognize that other hinges could beused without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In this embodiment, the top and bottom components 10, 30 are constructedof environmentally friendly recycled blow-molded plastic. Moreover, toaccomplish a light-weight construction, the top and bottom components10, 30 are substantially hollow inside. However, one of ordinary skillin the art would recognize that the density of the pieces could bemanufactured to conform to the load requirements of a larger tent downto ultra-light-weight for backpacking. Furthermore, other materials suchas injection molded plastic, wood and metal manufactured through othermethods could be used as well.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the portable tent platform 1 includes a floorcomponent 50. The floor component is shaped and sized to fit within theend sections 14 a, 14 b, 32 a, 32 b of the top and bottom components 10,30 when assembled. In this embodiment, the floor component 50 isintegrally formed with 3 separate sections 52 a, 52 b, 52 c. Thesections may either each be a solid piece or two pieces coupled with ahinge 42, providing a more compact configuration when the floorcomponent 50 is folded, transported and stored. However, one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that the number of sections could varyto accommodate the tent structure. Each section 52 a, 52 b, 52 c couldalso be separate, and coupled together by friction fit, providing a morecompact configuration when the floor component 50 is disassembled,transported and stored.

Still referring to FIG. 5 , the floor component 50 includes a pluralityof vertical apertures 56 extending therethrough. Additionally, the outerperimeter of the floor component 50 includes a narrow channel 56 a witha plurality of apertures 56. The purpose of the apertures 56 is toprovide a means for water to travel through to prevent accumulation ofwater or other precipitation thereon. As referenced below, the narrowchannel 56 a will discharge most of the water to the ground. In thisembodiment, the floor component 50 is constructed of environmentallyfriendly recycled blow-molded plastic. Furthermore, other materials suchas injection molded plastic, wood and metal manufactured through othermethods could be used as well. The floor component 50 could also includeinternal padding on the interior side of the narrow channels 56 a and,or a water-resistant material such as vinyl. However, one of ordinaryskill in the art would recognize that other water-resistant materialscould be used.

In this embodiment, the floor component 50 is square in shape, but theshape and size are not limited. For example, the floor component 50could be circular or rectangular.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, in operation, the portable tent platform 1is quickly and easily assembled in a few minutes. If top and bottomcomponent 10, 30 are hinged 42, they are unfolded. Bottom components 30are spaced apart and aligned, with the bottom surface 38 engaging theground surface. Female sections 20 a, 20 b, 20 c of the top component 10are positioned and secured on respective female sections 36 a, 36 b, 36c of the bottom components 30 by friction fit. That is, the respectivefemale sections are configured to snugly fit together. Morespecifically, the top component inner walls 81 engage the bottomcomponent outer walls 73 and/or the top component side walls 83 engagethe bottom component inner walls 71. FIGS. 1A and 1B show the structurewith the top and bottom components 10, 30 in an assembled state. Assuch, the bottom surface 22 of the top component 10 engages the groundsurface. That is, the bottom surfaces 22, 38 of the top and bottomcomponents 10, 30 form a common plane for engaging the ground surface toprovide stability to the structure. As such, when fully assembled,apertures 26, 40 exist in the top and bottom components 10, 30, allowingproper horizontal drainage. It is noted that in some instances thebottom surfaces 22, 38 may not be perfectly co-planar due to, forexample, the assembled portable tent platform 1 being set up on anuneven support surface. However, even so, the bottom surfaces 22, 38would be substantially co-planar. One of ordinary skill in the art wouldrecognize that the apertures 26, 40 could vary in size without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. As well, the taperedportions 14 a, 14 b, 32 a, 32 b of the top and bottom components 10, 30are aligned on a common elevated horizontal plane, while the topsurfaces 24, 35 of the top and bottom components 10, 30 form a commonhorizontal plane. It is noted that in some instances the top surfaces24, 35 may not be perfectly co-planar due to, for example, the assembledportable tent platform 1 being set up on an uneven support surface.However, even so, the top surfaces 24, 35 would be substantiallyco-planar. In the assembled state, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, spaces60 exist between the assembled top and bottom components 10, 30. Thefloor component 50 (consisting of sections 52 a, 52 b, 52 c) arepositioned on the top surface 24 of the top component 10, within the endsections 14 a, 14 b, 32 a, 32 b of the top and bottom components 10, 30,as illustrated in FIG. 5 . That is, the floor component 50 is securedwithin a boundary formed by the end sections 14 a, 14 b, 32 a, 32 b andtaper or incline of the end sections 14 a, 14 b, 32 a, 32 b prevents thefloor component 50 from sliding off of the top surface 24, 35.

A tent or shelter is then positioned on top of the floor component 50.The width of the floor component 50 can allow the tent structure to fitthereon without overlapping the outer perimeter narrow channels 56 a.Based on the design of existing tent structures, water is directedtoward the outside perimeter of the tent structure. The presentinvention includes the narrow channel 56 a at the outside perimeter ofthe floor component 50, which will closely align with the outsideperimeter of the tent structure. Therefore, the apertures 56 within thenarrow channel 56 a will discharge most of the water landing on the tentstructure to the ground.

In this embodiment, the spaces 60 serve multiple purposes. First,material cost is reduced. Second, the spaces 60 allow any water whichavoids the narrow channel 56 a and seeps under the tent structure todischarge through the apertures 56 and the space 60 to the ground,thereby providing proper drainage. Third, the spaces 60 provide a meansfor airflow to aid in keeping the floor component 50 dry.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, as described above, theengageable female sections 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 36 a, 36 b, 36 c aresimilarly sized and shaped with varying length, width and depth toaccommodate the tent structure.

However, the engageable female sections 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 36 a, 36 b, 36c could take on other sizes and shapes so long as a friction-fitengagement can be accomplished while providing sufficient support on theground surface. For example, the engageable female sections 20 a, 20 b,20 c, 36 a, 36 b, 36 c could be constructed with greater length and/orwidth and/or number to provide greater surface support area for thefloor component 50.

The use or application of the support platform of the present inventionis not limited to use for tents. For example, the support platform ofthe present invention could be used to as a stage. In another example,the support platform of the present invention could be used to storegoods to protect the goods from water damage due to floods. In yetanother example, the support platform of the present invention could beused as a base for a bed frame.

While the foregoing description and figures are directed toward thepreferred design of the present invention, it should be appreciated thatnumerous modifications can be made to each of the components discussedabove. The present invention may be embodied in other specific formswithout departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Thedescribed embodiments are to be considered in all respects only asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be,therefore, indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description.All changes, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency ofthe claims, are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A support platform comprising: (a) an elongate top componentcomprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, eachtop component end section having opposing first top and first bottomportions, each of the first top portions having an outer end and aninner end, each of the first top portions being tapered such that saidouter end has a greater height than said inner end, each of the firstbottom portions configured to engage a support surface, a first topsurface extending between the top component first and second endsections, at least one top male section extending downwardly from thefirst top surface and positioned between the first and second endsections, the at least one top male section having a first bottomsurface configured to engage the support surface, the first bottomsurface having at least one first aperture extending therethrough, andat least one top female section extending downwardly from the first topsurface and positioned between the first and second end sections; (b) anelongate bottom component comprising: opposing bottom component firstand second end sections, each bottom component end section havingopposing second top and second bottom portions, each of the second topportions having an outer end and an inner end, each of the second topportions being tapered such that said outer end has a greater heightthan said inner end, each of the second bottom portions configured tocontact the support surface, a second bottom surface extending betweenthe bottom component first and second end sections, the second bottomsurface configured to engage the support surface, the second bottomsurface having at least one second aperture extending therethrough, atleast one bottom male section extending upwardly from the second bottomsurface and positioned between the bottom component first and second endsections, the at least one bottom male section having a second topsurface, and at least one bottom female section extending upwardly fromthe second bottom surface and positioned between the bottom componentfirst and second end sections; and (c) a substantially flat floorcomponent; wherein the at least one top female section is positionedwithin the at least one bottom female section such that the first andsecond top surfaces are substantially coplanar and the first and secondbottom surfaces are substantially coplanar; and wherein the floorcomponent is positioned between the at least one top and bottomcomponent first and second end sections.
 2. The support platform ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of top male and female sectionsand a plurality of bottom male and female sections.
 3. The supportplatform of claim 1, wherein the at least one top and bottom femalesections are openings.
 4. The support platform of claim 1, wherein theat least one top and bottom components are coupled together byfriction-fit.
 5. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the at leastone top female section is positioned directly adjacent to the at leastone top male section, and the at least one bottom female section ispositioned directly adjacent to the at least one bottom male section. 6.The support platform of claim 1, wherein the at least one top femalesection is positioned directly adjacent to one of the top componentfirst and second end sections, and the at least one bottom femalesection is positioned directly adjacent to one of the bottom componentfirst and second end sections.
 7. The support platform of claim 1,wherein at least one of the top and bottom components comprises a hingemember for at least partially collapsing the at least one of the top andbottom components.
 8. The support platform of claim 1, wherein the floorcomponent comprises a plurality of third apertures extendingtherethrough.
 9. A support platform comprising: (a) a top componentcomprising: opposing top component first and second end sections, eachtop component end section having opposing first top and first bottomportions, a first top surface extending between the top component firstand second end sections, at least one top male section extendingdownwardly from the first top surface and positioned between the firstand second end sections, the at least one top male section having afirst bottom surface configured to engage a support surface, the firstbottom surface having at least one first aperture extendingtherethrough, and at least one top female section extending downwardlyfrom the first top surface and positioned between the first and secondend sections; (b) a bottom component comprising: opposing bottomcomponent first and second end sections, each bottom component endsection having opposing second top and second bottom portions, each ofthe second bottom portions configured to engage the support surface, asecond bottom surface extending between the bottom component first andsecond end sections, the second bottom surface configured to engage thesupport surface, the second bottom surface having at least one secondaperture extending therethrough, at least one bottom male sectionextending upwardly from the second bottom surface and positioned betweenthe bottom component first and second end sections, the at least onebottom male section having a second top surface, and at least one bottomfemale section extending upwardly from the second bottom surface betweenthe bottom component first and second end sections; wherein the at leastone top female section is positioned within the at least one bottomfemale section such that the first and second top surfaces aresubstantially coplanar and the first and second bottom surfaces aresubstantially coplanar.
 10. The support platform of claim 9, whereineach of the first top portions comprises an outer end and an inner end,each of the first top portions being tapered such that said outer endhas a greater height than said inner end.
 11. The support platform ofclaim 10, wherein each of the second top portions comprises an outer endand an inner end, each of the second top portions being tapered suchthat said outer end has a greater height than said inner end.
 12. Thesupport platform of claim 9, further comprising a floor component. 13.The support platform of claim 12, wherein the floor component ispositioned between the top and bottom component first and second endsections.
 14. The support platform of claim 9, further comprising aplurality of top male and female sections and a plurality of bottom maleand female sections.
 15. A support platform comprising: (a) a topcomponent comprising: opposing top component first and second endsections, each top component end section having opposing first top andfirst bottom portions, a first top surface extending between the topcomponent first and second end sections, at least one top male sectionextending downwardly from the first top surface and positioned betweenthe first and second end sections, the at least one top male sectionhaving a first bottom surface configured to engage a support surface,and at least one top female section extending downwardly from the firsttop surface and positioned between the first and second end sections;(b) a bottom component comprising: opposing bottom component first andsecond end sections, each bottom component end section having opposingsecond top and second bottom portions, each of the second bottomportions configured to engage the support surface, a second bottomsurface extending between the bottom component first and second endsections, the second bottom surface configured to engage the supportsurface, at least one bottom male section extending upwardly from thesecond bottom surface and positioned between the bottom component firstand second end sections, the at least one bottom male section having asecond top surface, and at least one bottom female section extendingupwardly from the second bottom surface between the bottom componentfirst and second end sections; wherein the at least one top femalesection is positioned within the at least one bottom female section suchthat the first and second top surfaces are substantially coplanar andthe first and second bottom surfaces are substantially coplanar.
 16. Thesupport platform of claim 15, wherein at least one of the first andsecond bottom surfaces comprises at least one aperture extendingtherethrough.
 17. The support platform of claim 15, wherein at least oneof the first and second top portions comprises an outer end and an innerend, the outer end having a greater height than that the inner end. 18.The support platform of claim 15, further comprising a floor componentpositioned between the top and bottom component first and second endsections.
 19. The support platform of claim 18, wherein the floorcomponent comprises at least one aperture extending therethrough. 20.The support platform of claim 15, further comprising a plurality of topmale and female sections and a plurality of bottom male and femalesections.